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Bemidji State scores fast to defeat North Dakota 3-2 and earn series split, photo gallery

Bemidji State goalie Zuzana Tomcikova makes a save on North Dakota's Michelle Karvinen during the second period of Saturday night's game at the Sanford Center. Pioneer Photo/Eric Stromgren

The Bemidji State women’s hockey team started fast in a 3-2 victory over No. 6 North Dakota on Saturday at the Sanford Center.

Lauren Williams, Kim Lieder and Emily Erickson scored in the first 10 minutes of the game to spot goalie Zuzana Tomcikova a 3-0 lead.

“We learned from last night’s game that we have to be ready from the get-go and they were ready last night,” Erickson said. “We had to counteract that, we did that and we wanted to keep it going for three periods.”

Bemidji State (10-5-2, 6-5-1-1 WCHA) earned a split in the weekend series after Friday’s 5-2 loss to UND in Crookston.

“I had hopes we’d get more than three points but we’re playing a heck of a hockey team,” BSU head coach Steve Sertich said. “The Lamoureux twins are two of the best forwards in the world and anytime you get three points against a team with four Olympians, it’s pretty darn good and we’re happy to get some points.”

Williams opened scoring 3:13 into the first period when she put back a rebound as Erika Wheelhouse crashed into UND goalie Stephanie Ney.

Lieder made it 2-0 Beavers five minutes later with a slap shot from the blue line and Erickson put a wrist shot under the crossbar from the top of the right circle to put BSU up 3-0 at 9:48.

North Dakota (10-5-1, 7-4-1 WCHA) started a comeback in the second period. Jocelyne Lamoureux scored from the side of the net at 8:15 and Candace Molle scored on the power play with 1:47 left in the period.

BSU was able to hold off North Dakota with a strong penalty kill led by Tomcikova. North Dakota was 1-for-6 on the power play and Tomcikova finished with 45 saves.

“She’s a huge part of it, she makes some big saves and brings us some momentum,” Erickson said. “We want to go out there and put goals on net for her. She does help our team but no matter who’s back there, we’re confident.”

Bemidji State does not play next weekend. BSU remains home Dec. 9-10 to host current No. 1 Wisconsin in a pair of 2:07 p.m. games at the Sanford Center.